Housing Navigator

Why work with YWCA Seattle King Snohomish?

YWCA SKS is the region’s largest non-profit organization with a 120 year legacy, focused on the needs of women, with programs serving 7,000 people each year. When you work with YWCA, you make a difference.

We’re women and BIPOC-led, family-centered, and supportive of employees. As a full-time YWCA employee (30 hours), you’ll enjoy a benefits package including medical insurance, generous vacation, holiday, sick leave plans, and an outstanding retirement plan. Put your passion for racial equity and social justice to work – apply today!

What You'll Do

The Housing Navigator will support veterans that have a VASH voucher through the public housing authorities in Snohomish County.   The Housing Navigator will identify permanent housing units in the private rental market for voucher holders, work closely with the case managers from the VASH program to ensure clients are connected to services, and provide crisis intervention for clients at risk of losing their housing which could include a home visit or meeting with the landlord.

The position is part of the YWCA Homeless Initiatives Department, which is part of the Specialized and Integrated Services Division of the YWCA. These programs have a reputation in the community for providing culturally competent services with particular emphasis on serving homeless and low-income families and individuals. Valuing diversity and championing anti-racism policy and program delivery are core values.

This position has a social justice component that will allow for critical thinking around how the external systems impact the work that we are doing through the lens of racism and intersections with poverty. Valuing diversity and championing anti-racism policy are core values. As an equal opportunity employer, we highly encourage people of color to apply.

• Establishing relationships with landlords to assist voucher holders in locating appropriate housing, especially those with accessible units. 
• Maintain an average lease-up rate of 80% or better for VASH voucher holders.
• Establish working relationships with case managers and program managers from the VASH program.
• Meet with clients to assist with applications, housing search, or other support services.
• Maintain statistical, financial and narrative reports on a monthly basis.
• Assist Section 8 or VASH case managers in meetings with clients who are at risk of losing their housing if needed.
• May meet with clients to assist with annual review paperwork.
• Perform temporary crisis services when case manager is not available to support landlord to sustain housing stability for veteran.
• Participate in regular meetings as needed
• Provide housing workshops for VASH participants if needed.
• Implement all work by incorporating the YWCA’s Social Justice Initiative by understanding how racism, sexism, classism and other oppressions intersect and are embedded in all institutions and systems

• BA in social services preferred, equivalent experience considered.
• Min. 3 years related experience working with persons with disabilities, specifically in the mental health and/or chemical dependency field.
• Knowledge of the Section 8 program and housing resources in King County and Snohomish County, Landlord/Tenant Laws and Fair Housing Regulations.
• Experience housing homeless people with barriers.
• Knowledge of the veteran community.
• Case Management experience a plus.
• Good oral, public speaking and written communication skills.
• Comfortable with computers and familiar with data base and word processing programs.
• Demonstrated proficiency in organizational and record keeping skills.
• Must be able to travel independently between multiple work sites within a day.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of team and independently with little on-site supervision.
• Commitment to diversity and social justice.

• Hourly Rate: $26.50
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Excellent benefits package including medical insurance, retirement plan, plus generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans
• At the time of hire, employees may enroll voluntarily in the Fidelity 403b Plan
• After two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund

• Continuously exchanges information through listening and talking with clients, agency staff, employers, representatives of community organizations and other individuals in the community
• Frequently stands, walks, sits and climbs in performing duties in the workspace and in the community
• Frequently reaches and grasps in using telephones, computers, fax machines and other office equipment and supplies
• Frequently lifts and carries up to 5 lbs. of paperwork, files and training materials
• Occasionally climbs stairs of multi-level buildings
• Able to travel to clients homes

#LI-Onsite

YWCA encourages applicants with a variety of experiences to apply!

At YWCA, we recognize that lived expertise is a powerful asset. This refers to the insights, knowledge, and skills developed by those who have navigated systems and experienced inequity.

Valuing lived expertise helps build trust with program participants, develop culturally responsive programs, and break down barriers to equity. It enriches our collective understanding and enhances our ability to serve communities that are furthest from opportunity.

Mental Health Considerations

All employees of the YWCA interact with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms, including but not limited to, racial trauma, domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, and financial hardship. As a result, employees are at risk of secondary trauma. We encourage employees to seek support inside and outside the workplace and maintain self-care routines.

Equal Opportunity Employment

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  To read more about this, view the EEO is the Law Poster and this EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

For more information

Contact us at careers@ywcaworks.org with any questions or if you need accommodation for your application.

Salary : $27